NATIONAL SECURITY

The White House announced the sale of almost $30 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, in the latest sign of U.S. concern about Iran's nuclear program.

In recent days, Washington and its Persian Gulf ally signed a formal agreement to send 84 new Boeing F-15 jets to Saudi Arabia, and upgrades for 70 more already in the Saudi fleet, Deputy Press Secretary Joshua Earnest said in a statement. The deal, valued at $29.4 billion, will also include munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistical support.

Earnest said the deal would support more than 50,000 American jobs, engage 600 suppliers in 44 states, and provide $3.5 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy. "This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security," he said.

The Obama administration announced its plans last October to sell the aircraft and military hardware as part of a $60 billion deal over 10 years.